First CIS Player In 2 Super Bowls

Seattle punter Jon Ryan, a former standout at the University of Regina, will become Sunday the first CIS graduate to play in two Super Bowls when his Seahawks face the New England Patriots in the NFL championship game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

A year ago, Ryan, who starred for the U of R Rams from 2000 to 2003, became the first CIS grad to win the Super Bowl as a participating player when the Seahawks crushed Denver 43-8 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The two-time CIS all-Canadian and three-time Canada West all-star had to punt only once in the game, a 45-yard effort, and was also the holder on field goal and extra point attempts.

Before Ryan, three former CIS players, including Israel Idonije (Manitoba Bisons), Jean-Philippe Darche (McGill Redmen) and Ken Clark (Saint Mary’s Huskies), competed on American football’s biggest stage but they were all unsuccessful in their quest for a Super Bowl ring.

Idonije played defensive end for Chicago when the Bears lost 29-17 to Indianapolis in 2007.

Darche was Seattle’s long snapper when the Seahawks dropped a 21-10 decision to Pittsburgh in 2006.

Clark was the Los Angeles Rams punter when they were defeated 31-19 by Pittsburgh in 1980.

Three other CIS standouts have reached the Super Bowl over the years but were not in the lineup come game time.

The list includes offensive lineman Dan Federkeil (Calgary Dinos) with Indianapolis in 2007 (active roster) and 2010 (injured reserve); receiver Samuel Giguère (Sherbrooke Vert & Or).

Also with the Colts in 2010 (active roster); as well as receiver Tyrone Williams (Western Mustangs) with Dallas in 1993 (practice roster) and 1994 (active roster).

Federkeil (2007) and Williams (1994) own a Super Bowl ring even though they weren’t in the lineup for their team’s triumph.

NOTES:

Ryan played a key role in Seattle’s 28-22 overtime win over Green Bay in the NFC championship game on Jan. 18, throwing his first NFL touchdown pass on a fake field goal attempt, in addition to maintaining a 42.4-yard average on five punts.

This season, 33-year-old Regina native averaged 44.1 yards on 61 punts during the regular schedule and has averaged 40.7 yards on nine punts so far in the playoffs.

Ryan was selected by Winnipeg in the third round (24^th overall) of the 2004 CFL draft and played two seasons with the Blue Bombers – including an all-star nod in 2005 – before starting his NFL career with Green Bay in 2006.

Following two campaigns with the Packers, he signed with Seattle as a free agent on Sept. 9, 2008 and is now in his seventh year with the Seahawks.

CIS PLAYERS IN SUPER BOWL

2015: Jon Ryan (Regina), Seattle, P, active roster

2014: Jon Ryan (Regina), Seattle, P, active roster (dressed)

2010: Dan Federkeil (Calgary), Indianapolis, OL, injured reserve (did not dress)

2010: Samuel Giguère (Sherbrooke), Indianapolis, REC, active roster (did not dress)

2007: Dan Federkeil (Calgary), Indianapolis, OL, active roster (did not dress)

2007: Israel Idonije (Manitoba), Chicago, DE, active roster (dressed)

2006: Jean-Philippe Darche (McGill), Seattle, LS, active roster (dressed)

1994: Tyrone Williams (Western), Dallas, REC, active roster (did not dress)

1993: Tyrone Williams (Western), Dallas, REC, practice roster (did not dress)

1980: Ken Clark (Saint Mary’s), LA Rams, P, active roster (dressed)

CIS PLAYERS WITH SUPER BOWL RINGS

2014: Jon Ryan (Regina), Seattle, P (played)

2007: Dan Federkeil (Calgary), Indianapolis, OL (active roster – did not play)

1994: Tyrone Williams (Western), Dallas, REC (active roster – did not play)

Thanks to Michel Bélanger, Manager, Communications & Media Relations, Canadian Interuniversity Sport for the info.